Chapter 7: Silent Preparation
The road to the Land of Waves grew narrow and damp, flanked by wild forest and thin mist.
Kakashi led the group at a measured pace. Though he wore his usual unreadable look, Sasuke could tell he was still recovering. His chakra had stabilized but hadn't fully returned.
Sakura stayed close to Tazuna, scanning the surroundings like she was repeating mental drills.
Naruto walked with a slight scowl, stretching his arms dramatically and muttering complaints about everything from tree roots to hunger.
Sasuke brought up the rear, silent, watching.
Mist pooled low across the dirt path, rolling in from the coastline. It wasn't chakra-infused—yet. Just weather.
But every step closer to the bridge brought the weight of something unspoken.
The Weight of Stillness
Sasuke activated his Sharingan for just a moment—checking the terrain for signs of chakra.
Nothing yet.
But he didn't let it relax him.
Zabuza and Haku will return. That much is guaranteed.
He deactivated the Sharingan and instead focused on his breathing—his muscle control.
Taijutsu mattered more than flash in the fights ahead.
Free Time Training
That evening, the group stopped to make camp beneath a rocky outcrop just beyond a shallow stream. They didn't light a fire—Kakashi wanted to keep their presence subtle in case they were being watched.
While Naruto dozed off with his head against a tree, and Sakura quietly sharpened her kunai, Sasuke stepped away to a patch of firm earth.
He didn't ask for space.
He didn't announce anything.
He dropped to the ground and began his routine.
Knuckle push-ups. Plank holds. Core control. Vertical jumps. Slow strikes into open air.
Each move controlled. Sharp. Clean.
I know what's coming. The mirror jutsu. The speed. The angles.
His Sharingan would help—but if his body couldn't match the movement, it would be worthless.
[System Notification: Solo Conditioning Logged – Taijutsu +3% Progress]
He paused only once—to look up at the cloudy sky.
Zabuza will return at the bridge. That's the moment. I need to be better than last time.
Naruto's Curiosity
Naruto cracked open one eye from across the clearing.
"…Still training?" he mumbled, rubbing his head.
Sasuke didn't answer.
He moved into a low stance, sweeping a palm forward as if cutting through mist.
Naruto grumbled and sat up. "Tch… I'll train tomorrow too. Just don't think I'm gonna let you stay ahead forever."
Sasuke continued without reacting.
But the edge of his mouth twitched.
[Rivalry Sync: Naruto Uzumaki – Level 1 Maintained]
[SP +1 – Motivational Edge Logged]
Arrival at Tazuna's Home
By late the next day, the group finally emerged from the forest path and stepped into the clearing above Tazuna's village.
Ahead was a worn dirt road leading to a small, humble house near the riverbank.
A woman stood at the entrance.
Tazuna waved. "That's my daughter, Tsunami!"
She greeted them with a polite bow and a worried look. "You made it. I'm glad. Father, are you alright?"
"A little bruised, but fine thanks to them."
Kakashi leaned on a wooden railing. "We'll rest here tonight. I need a few more hours of chakra recovery before we scout the bridge."
Tsunami led them inside. The house was simple but clean. The smell of warm rice and soup filled the air.
Sakura helped Naruto remove his gear. Kakashi took the far corner and sat quietly, unmoving.
Sasuke found the back porch.
He stood alone, watching the river beyond the trees.
His hand twitched—subtle muscle memory from the training earlier.
The next time I fight, it won't be as a Genin hoping to survive.
It will be as someone who knows what's coming.
[System Update: Timeline Stable – Zabuza Encounter Resuming Soon]
[SP Bonus: +2 – Discipline Maintained Without Prompt]
[Chapter 7 Complete – Silent Preparation]
SP Gained: +3 (Training + Rivalry + Discipline)
Current SP: 55
Updated Attributes:
Strength: 2
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 7
Perception: 2
Control: 6
Resolve: 12
Known Techniques:
Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu
Clone Jutsu
Substitution Jutsu
Tree-Walking & Water-Walking
Basic Taijutsu (Uchiha Clan Style)
Shurikenjutsu
Sharingan (2-Tomoe) – Level 1
System Shop:
Silent Movement – 10 SP
Shuriken Enhancement – 10 SP
Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu – 60 SP